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Qatar and Pakistan advance mediation efforts as US and Iran pause direct military strikes

ByJustpaste.in

Regional mediators led by Qatar and Pakistan have achieved significant progress in restoring negotiations between the United States and Iran following a three-day pause in direct military strikes, according to regional officials.

The temporary lull comes after nearly two weeks of heavy bombardment triggered by Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

While US President Donald Trump and Tehran have temporarily halted direct strikes against one another, scattered attacks by regional armed groups persist, including drone attacks targetting Saudi petroleum facilities by Iran-backed militias and Houthis, alongside drone interceptions over Jordan and Iraq.

Talks facilitated alongside Oman are focusing on establishing a maritime management mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz to restore an interim ceasefire deal, although Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that no direct negotiations with Washington are taking place and that the waterway currently remains closed.

Concurrently, US naval blockades against Iran persist, and global shipping through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait remains constrained.

Amid ongoing mediation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss the wider conflict, while Iranian officials have condemned a recent Ukrainian strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea.

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    PTI leader Mian Mahmoodur Rashid shifted to servic…

    ByJustpaste.in

      LAHORE:Former Punjab minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mian Mahmoodur Rashid has reportedly developed health complications and was shifted from prison to Services Hospital in Lahore for medical treatment. According to party sources in Lahore, Mahmoodur Rashid was transferred to the hospital after his health condition deteriorated. The move was made to provide him with specialised medical care and allow doctors to carry out the necessary treatment. Party sources said that the PTI leader underwent surgery for a tumour located in his abdomen. The operation was performed at Services Hospital, where doctors treated the medical condition that had been causing him health concerns. Following the surgery, Mahmoodur Rashid was reportedly transferred back to the prison hospital for post-operative care and monitoring. His condition is being observed by medical staff as he recovers from the procedure. The development has attracted attention because Mahmoodur Rashid is a senior PTI figure and a former member of the Punjab provincial government. His health has previously been a matter of concern for his party, particularly while he has remained in custody. The party sources did not provide extensive details about the nature of the tumour, its size or whether it was benign or malignant. They also did not disclose further information regarding the exact duration of his hospital stay or the expected recovery period. Medical procedures involving abdominal tumours can require careful post-operative observation, particularly during the initial recovery period. The decision to keep the PTI leader under medical supervision after the operation indicates that doctors are continuing to monitor his condition. Mahmoodur Rashid has remained a prominent figure within PTI and has held important political responsibilities in Punjab. As a former provincial minister, he has been associated with the party’s political activities for several years. His transfer from prison to a major public-sector hospital highlights the medical arrangements made for prisoners who require treatment beyond the facilities available inside a jail. Prison authorities generally rely on external hospitals when inmates require specialised diagnostic procedures, surgery or other forms of treatment that cannot be adequately provided by a prison medical unit. According to the available information, the sequence of events involved his transfer from prison to Services Hospital, the surgical treatment of the abdominal tumour and his subsequent return to the prison hospital for continued care. The party sources did not indicate any immediate complications resulting from the surgery. Further information about his health is expected to depend on the medical assessment carried out by doctors during his recovery. PTI supporters and party members have expressed concern over the health of the former Punjab minister, particularly because he is currently in custody and requires ongoing medical attention. The development comes as several PTI leaders and workers remain involved in legal and political proceedings following the party’s prolonged confrontation with the government and state institutions. Mahmoodur Rashid has remained among the senior party figures facing legal proceedings. For now, his recovery and medical condition are being monitored by healthcare professionals. The latest reports indicate that after undergoing surgery for the abdominal tumour at Services Hospital, he has been moved to the prison hospital, where he will continue to receive medical care. Further details about his condition, the outcome of the surgery and his recovery timeline are expected to emerge as doctors continue their assessment.

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    Iran targets US bases across Gulf

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    The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Wednesday after Iran claimed it carried out a new wave of drone attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. The latest attacks marked another major escalation in the ongoing regional conflict that has continued for months. Iranian military officials said attack drones targeted Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Camp Doha in Kuwait. According to Iranian authorities, the strikes focused on military warehouses, logistics facilities, aircraft maintenance centers and ammunition depots used by US forces. Jordan confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted several missiles and drones after they entered the country’s airspace. Officials said four missiles were destroyed while two landed in remote desert areas. No casualties or property damage were reported. Air raid sirens also sounded in Jordan’s southern port city of Aqaba. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising over the area. Authorities urged residents to remain alert but confirmed that the situation was under control. Bahrain’s military said its air defense systems successfully intercepted several incoming aerial threats after warning sirens were activated across the country. Officials did not report any casualties or major damage. Iran also claimed it launched a large number of drones against Camp Doha in Kuwait. Iranian media said the attack targeted US ammunition storage sites and military logistics equipment. Kuwait had not issued an official response at the time of reporting. The latest attacks came only a day after Iran launched missile strikes against US-linked military facilities in Jordan and Bahrain, increasing fears that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf region. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains prepared to negotiate with Iran if Tehran shows genuine willingness to engage in serious talks. Speaking during a regional meeting in Manila, Rubio said the United States continues to support diplomacy but believes Iran is not currently committed to meaningful negotiations. He warned that Iran must not be allowed to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio said any attempt to control one of the world’s busiest shipping routes would create a dangerous precedent and threaten global trade. The security situation has already affected international energy markets. Global oil prices climbed again as fears grew over possible disruptions to oil supplies from the Gulf. Brent crude traded above $91 per barrel, while fuel prices also increased in international markets. The crisis worsened after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. The move forced several oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to change their routes in the Red Sea because of growing security concerns. French shipping company CMA CGM announced an emergency surcharge on cargo shipments starting August 1. The company said the worsening security situation around the Strait of Hormuz has significantly increased fuel and transportation costs. At the same time, US forces carried out another round of airstrikes inside Iran. American military officials said the strikes targeted command centers, drone storage facilities, aircraft hangars, logistics sites and maritime capabilities. The operation marked the 11th consecutive night of US military attacks. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran, Bushehr, Chabahar, Konarak and parts of Ilam province. Officials said a missile strike damaged an electrical substation supplying power to the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Electricity was restored after several hours, and authorities reported no casualties. US President Donald Trump said 18 American service members have been killed since the conflict began, including four who died in recent Iranian attacks on US military bases in Jordan and Iraq. He said the United States would continue protecting its forces and allies in the region. Iran also claimed it targeted infrastructure linked to a major American technology company operating in Bahrain. However, the claim has not been independently verified. The conflict began in late February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Since then, military operations have expanded across several countries in the Middle East. Despite ongoing mediation efforts by regional countries, including Pakistan, no ceasefire agreement has been reached

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    Pakistan announces 20-man squad for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

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    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially unveiled its 20-member national squad and team management for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, signaling the country’s determination to make a strong impression on hockey’s biggest stage after securing qualification for the prestigious tournament. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced the squad on Wednesday, blending experienced international campaigners with a promising group of emerging young talents. The selection reflects the federation’s strategy of balancing experience with youth as Pakistan aims to revive its rich hockey legacy on the world stage. Squad The announced squad includes Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakariya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adil Latif, Ahmed Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Imad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hamaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Matan, and Muhammad Imad. Goalkeepers Among them, Waqar and Ali Raza have been named as the team’s two goalkeepers, entrusted with guarding Pakistan’s goal against some of the world’s strongest attacking sides. The Pakistan Hockey Federation also announced the complete support staff for the global event. Muhammad Owais Qarni will serve as team manager, while experienced Dutch coach Bob Johan Veldhof will lead the side as head coach. He will be assisted by British coach Christopher John Bowen and Pakistani assistant coach Adnan Zakir. Ashraf Sultan has been appointed as the team’s video technician to provide technical and tactical analysis throughout the tournament. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed complete confidence in the selected squad, saying the players have the talent, commitment and determination to compete at the highest level of international hockey. He extended his best wishes to both the players and the support staff, urging them to represent Pakistan with pride and passion. Wani also appealed to fans across the country to stand behind the Green Shirts and encourage them as they prepare for one of the sport’s biggest competitions. Pakistan, one of the most successful nations in hockey history, will be looking to regain its place among the world’s elite after qualifying for the World Cup. The upcoming tournament offers a valuable opportunity for the Green Shirts to showcase their progress and reignite hopes of restoring Pakistan’s former glory in international hockey. With a refreshed squad, experienced coaching staff and growing public support, expectations are rising that Pakistan can produce a memorable campaign at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.

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    PM directs MDCAT delay, admission test rescheduled…

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    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has postponed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, giving thousands of aspiring medical students additional time before the nationwide examination. According to an official statement issued by the PM&DC, the entrance test, originally scheduled for August 16, will now be held on September 20, 2026. The council said the decision was made to ensure the examination is conducted in a more organized, secure, transparent, and candidate-friendly manner. Officials emphasized that the revised schedule is intended to improve overall arrangements while maintaining the integrity of the admission process. PM&DC clarified that, apart from the change in the examination date, all previously announced terms, conditions, and examination arrangements will remain unchanged. Any further revisions, if required, will be communicated through a separate official notification. The council has advised candidates, parents, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to regularly monitor its official website and communication channels for updated information, instructions, and announcements related to the examination. Expressing regret over any inconvenience caused by the postponement, PM&DC thanked students and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation.

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    Cambridge professor Jason Arday resigns following plagiarism and CV investigation

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    Professor Jason Arday, who became the youngest Black professor appointed in the history of the University of Cambridge, has resigned from his post with immediate effect following escalating accusations of academic misconduct and misrepresentation of his qualifications. In a statement released on Wednesday via the Good Law Project, the 41-year-old sociologist said he had “concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away”, citing the severe personal cost of public scrutiny. Arday maintained that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt or an acceptance of the allegations against him. The resignation coincided with an official announcement from the University of Cambridge confirming the launch of an investigation into new details surrounding Arday’s academic credentials and honorary titles, alongside ongoing complaints handled under its research misconduct policy. Jesus College, where Arday held a fellowship, confirmed a parallel internal review. The controversy began when former Cambridge researcher Nathan Cofnas published allegations detailing extensive textual overlap in Arday’s published academic papers using plagiarism-detection software. Cofnas also questioned several public claims made by Arday regarding his charitable activities, including assertions of running 30 marathons in 35 days and raising more than £5 million for charity. Arday previously acknowledged editorial oversights in his earlier work, attributing textual similarities to processing methods linked to his neurodivergence and autism, while strongly denying intentional deceit or dishonesty. He argued that the scrutiny was part of a racially motivated campaign targeting his position and diversity initiatives within academia. Publisher Simon & Schuster, which is slated to publish Arday’s memoir later this month, issued a statement defending his professional integrity, while Cambridge officials stressed that formal review processes will proceed in accordance with employment law and institutional guidelines.

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    New CCTV footage surfaces in Mir Raza murder

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    New CCTV footage has emerged in the investigation into the murder of Mir Raza Ali Khan, whose body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area two days after he went missing. The footage shows Mir Raza taking a firearm out of a drawer inside his home and placing it in his vehicle before leaving. He is then seen returning to the kitchen shortly afterward. Another CCTV clip recorded at 4:38am shows Mir Raza walking alone near the area where his body was later discovered. According to police, Mir Raza went missing on July 28 after leaving his home in PECHS. Investigators said he departed at 4:09am in an online taxi and was later found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Police said the victim was shot in the chest and his body was recovered in a severely mutilated condition. Investigators also revealed that all of his social media accounts had been deactivated a day before his body was found. Authorities have sought Mir Raza’s mobile phone records and data of people who were in contact with him before his disappearance. Police are also examining information obtained from the telecom company as part of the ongoing investigation. The driver of the ride-hailing taxi used by Mir Raza has also been questioned. In his statement, the driver told investigators that he dropped the victim near his destination in Gulistan-e-Jauhar before leaving. Earlier, police recovered Mir Raza’s mobile phone and a pistol holster from the crime scene, which are now being examined as evidence. Mir Raza’s father said his son was due to marry on August 30 at Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He said Mir Raza was excited about starting a new chapter of his life, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking for the family. Police said the investigation is continuing from multiple angles and that all available evidence, including CCTV footage, digital records and witness statements, is being analysed to identify those responsible for the killing.

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